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By Robyn DixonLos Angeles Times • Saturday February 16, 2013 6:50 AM

Enlarge ImageRequest to buy this photoIndependent Newspapers Ltd South AfricaOscar Pistorius wept in court yesterday but did not enter a plea in the killing of his girlfriend. His bail application will be heard on Tuesday.

JOHANNESBURG — The family of South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius denied yesterday that
he had murdered his girlfriend, releasing a statement shortly after he wept during his first court
appearance.

Pistorius, revered for overcoming his disability to compete in the London Olympics last year, is
facing a murder charge in the shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day, a
tragedy that shocked and divided South Africans.

Pistorius did not enter a plea yesterday. Instead, the denial was made in a statement issued by
his family and management company that said: “The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest
possible terms.” It has no legal force but suggests that Pistorius is likely to plead not
guilty.

One of the National Prosecuting Authority’s most-senior advocates, Gerrie Nel, is prosecuting
the case. He said he would argue that the killing was premeditated murder, the most-serious
category of offense under law in South Africa, which abolished capital punishment in 1995.

Arguments over Pistorius’ bail application will be heard on Tuesday, when some details of his
defense and the prosecution’s case are expected. Until then, he will remain in custody.

The family statement said the runner wanted to “send his deepest sympathies” to Steenkamp’s
family.

Under South African law, an accused person charged with an offense of such gravity would have to
prove exceptional circumstances to be granted bail.

The court hearing coincided with “Black Friday” — a day when South Africans were urged to wear
black to protest violence against women. It followed a recent brutal gang rape and murder in South
Africa.

One of Steenkamp’s last tweets was a call for people to join the protest.

South African media reported that Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times through a bathroom door,
citing a neighbor who spoke with security guards. If true, this might complicate efforts to mount a
defense that the runner mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. Under South African law, a person who
fatally shoots an intruder has to prove he or she had a reasonable fear that the intruder posed a
real threat to his or her life.